The Bhimashankar temple will be closed for general darshan for three months starting January 9, except for Mahashivratri, to facilitate the construction of a new sabhamandap and stairway. This closure is part of a larger state-approved development plan aimed at enhancing the temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The work is also linked to preparations for the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela, focusing on pilgrim safety and crowd management infrastructure.